By: Stefanus Putra Imanuel)*
The President of the Republic of Indonesia (RI), Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has succeeded in realizing leadership in the last ten years with the success of infrastructure development which has been carried out very massively in the country.
Since taking office in 2014, the seventh President of the Republic of Indonesia has not only focused on improving connectivity between regions, but also realizing sustainable economic equality, opening up employment opportunities, and improving people’s welfare. This can be seen from various development projects spread throughout Indonesia, covering various strategic sectors such as transportation, energy, agriculture, and technology.
Secretary of the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, Susiwijono Moegiarso, emphasized that President Jokowi’s administration has succeeded in integrating infrastructure development with four major themes: increasing connectivity, food sovereignty, energy security, and industrial downstreaming.
According to Susiwijono, the infrastructure development carried out includes the construction of 2,432 km of toll roads, the construction of 5,999 km of national roads, and 125,904 meters of bridges. In addition, seaports, airports, and railway projects also continue to develop to support mobility and trade between regions.
Strengthening food sovereignty is also a top priority under President Jokowi’s leadership. The construction of 53 dams and more than 1.2 million hectares of new irrigation networks demonstrate the government’s commitment to ensuring national food security.
This not only has an impact on increasing the productivity of the agricultural sector, but also creates new jobs in various regions. This infrastructure also opens access to clean water for more than 93% of the population through the construction of the Drinking Water Supply System (SPAM).
In the energy sector, the renewable energy-based electricity program that was built successfully reached a total capacity of 21.7 GW, creating a strong foundation for future energy security. In addition, natural gas is also an important part with a capacity of 23.3 MTPA. The development of this energy infrastructure plays an important role in supporting industrial growth and the development of economic areas throughout Indonesia.
Susiwijono also highlighted the direct impact of infrastructure development on the economy of the 3T (Underdeveloped, Frontier, and Outermost) regions. The construction of 15 Cross-Border Posts (PLBN) has succeeded in boosting the local economy. The Skouw Wutung PLBN in Jayapura, for example, recorded exports of IDR 12.68 billion in the first quarter of 2024. Meanwhile, the Mota’ain PLBN in East Nusa Tenggara has encouraged the growth of local industries that directly contribute to the welfare of the people in the region.
Economic researcher at the Center of Reform on Economics (CORE) Indonesia, Yusuf Rendy Manilet, explained that in the decade of President Joko Widodo’s administration, the number of poor people and the unemployment rate have decreased significantly.
The downward trend in poverty and unemployment rates can be seen from BPS data which shows that the extreme poverty rate in 2024 has been suppressed to 0.83%, approaching the government’s target to eradicate extreme poverty. Yusuf also added that infrastructure development not only has an impact on job creation, but also increases national productivity and competitiveness.
Furthermore, Yusuf emphasized that the Indonesian economy continues to grow positively even though global challenges such as the pandemic and international economic instability have affected other countries.
However, Indonesia is still able to maintain sustainable economic growth through industrial downstreaming policies and the creation of new jobs. The government is also active in improving human resource skills through training and empowerment programs, which aim to improve the welfare of people in all provinces.
Professor of the Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Indonesia (FEB UI), Telisa Aulia Falianty, said that the massive infrastructure development during the Jokowi era had a large multiplier effect on the national economy.
Labor-intensive infrastructure, such as National Strategic Projects (PSN) projects, has created millions of jobs. Telisa assessed that the success of this infrastructure development was also supported by the encouragement of the use of Domestic Component Levels (TKDN) which supports local industries.
According to Telisa, the development of digital infrastructure such as the Palapa Ring project also contributes significantly to increasing internet connectivity in remote areas. This accelerates digital transformation, which is one of the main drivers of digital economic growth in Indonesia.
Telisa emphasized that infrastructure development, both physical and digital, not only facilitates mobility, but also accelerates economic activities that have a direct impact on improving people’s welfare.
Over the past 10 years, Indonesia has proven that infrastructure development can be a driving force for equitable economic growth. Through an Indonesia-centric approach, development is not only centered on Java Island, but also spread throughout the region from Aceh to Papua.
This is in line with President Jokowi’s vision to create inclusive and sustainable economic growth. The infrastructure that has been built has a real impact in opening up jobs, reducing poverty rates, and improving people’s quality of life.
The achievement shows that under President Jokowi’s leadership, Indonesia has succeeded in making a big leap in infrastructure. Although challenges remain, the strong foundation that has been built provides hope that economic growth and people’s welfare will continue in the future.
)* The author is a contributor to the Citaprasada Institute
